Oral Exam

At Moss Dental Studio, Dr. Kevin Molldrem can evaluate the teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work and visible oral tissues, then explain which findings are urgent, which can be monitored and which options are elective.

What Does a Dentist Check During an Oral Exam?

• Teeth for decay, fractures, wear, sensitivity and structural changes.
• Existing fillings, crowns, bridges or other restorations for findings that merit attention.
• Gums and supporting tissues for inflammation, recession and periodontal concerns.
• Bite and tooth contacts when they relate to symptoms, wear or treatment planning.
• Visible oral tissues, including areas examined as part of oral cancer screening.
• Symptoms such as pain, swelling, sensitivity, jaw discomfort or other changes you have noticed.

Do You Need X-Rays at Every Dental Exam?

Not necessarily. Dental X-rays provide information that cannot always be obtained by visual examination alone, but the type and timing should reflect your age, history, symptoms, disease risk, previous images and what the dentist needs to diagnose or monitor. Ask why an image is recommended and what question it is intended to answer.

Dental Exam vs. Dental Cleaning

An exam is diagnostic: the dentist evaluates your oral health and develops or updates the care plan. A cleaning is preventive or maintenance care focused on removing deposits and supporting gum health. They are often scheduled together, but they are not the same service.

Routine, New-Patient, and Problem-Focused Exams

A routine exam monitors known oral health over time. A new-patient exam may require a broader baseline because the dentist is establishing your history and current condition. A problem-focused exam concentrates on a specific symptom such as pain, swelling, a broken tooth or a lost restoration. The information needed depends on why you are there.

What Happens After the Dentist Finds a Problem?

A finding is not automatically a treatment order. Your dentist should explain the diagnosis, urgency, reasonable options and what could happen if the condition is monitored instead of treated immediately. When several needs exist, the plan can be prioritized so active disease and urgent problems are addressed before elective care.

If you have severe pain, facial swelling or dental trauma, use Moss Dental Studio’s emergency dental care information rather than waiting for a routine exam.